Question

Based on her long experience as a manager, Stella was convinced that people exert higher levels of effort when the goals set out for them are challenging and specific. Stella appears to be an advocate of

a. Expectancy theory.
b. Equity theory.
c. Goal-setting theory.
d. Theory Y.
e. Motivation-hygiene theory.

Answer 1

Stella is an advocate of the Goal-setting theory as her management style is focused on inspiring employees by setting challenging and specific goals.

Step-by-step explanation:

Stella's belief that challenging and specific goals lead to higher levels of effort is aligned with the c. Goal-setting theory. This theory, developed by Edwin A. Locke in the late 1960s, argues that individuals are motivated to reach specific and difficult goals more so than when no goal is provided or the goal is too easy or vague. Stella's approach is not indicative of Expectancy theory, which focuses on how individuals reason about the outcomes of their actions in terms of expectations and rewards. It's also not indicative of Equity theory, which is based on fairness and the balance between input and output among individuals, nor does it align with Theory Y, although elements such as employee participation in goal-setting are shared between Goal-setting and Theory Y. Lastly, Stella's approach is not related to Motivation-hygiene theory, which deals with job satisfaction and the factors that cause either satisfaction or dissatisfaction at work.